Green light for Mayo Pro Rail Academy investment

The granting of planning permission for the Pro Rail Academy in Kiltimagh represents a major milestone for skills development and balanced regional growth across the west of Ireland.

The academy will provide specialised training in Permanent Way, Electrification, Signalling, Telecoms, Railway Civils, Surveying and On-Track Plant.

A dedicated Innovation and R&D Hub will also help position Mayo as a national leader in railway workforce development.

Minister of State Alan Dillon TD commended CEO Eamonn Maloney for his leadership and vision in advancing the project over the past two years.

He also praised Mayo County Council for its proactive engagement throughout the planning process.

Minister Dillon said the approval brings the academy’s vision another step closer to reality and strengthens the ambition to “train to retain”, enabling young people across Mayo and the West to access high-quality training and sustainable careers in the rail sector.

The academy will also help address Ireland’s shortage of skilled railway technicians and support the delivery of the country’s ambitious programme of investment in rail infrastructure.

By bringing together industry, education, local authorities and government, the project will help train and develop the next generation of railway professionals.